Black Friday

A little delayed on my Black Friday shopping palooza fter cooking my first Thanksgiving feast and cleaning up. But, here is the update 2011 Black Friday list from A-to-Z.

Adobe - Save up to 50% off software until Nov 29
Apple - Save 10-15% on selected Apple products today
Amazon - Rotating timed Black Friday deals in cell phones, Kindles, electronics, clothing and more
Ann Taylor - 40% off everything with code THANKS - end date not listed
Banana Republic - 35% off your order with code BRFRIDAY - today only
BabiesRus and ToysRus - deals until 11pm; and sale ends Sunday, Nov 26
BCBGMaxAzria - 50% off all outwear, sweater, leather and boots
Bloomingdales - Save 25-40% and $25 on your purchase of $200 or more - ends Sunday, Nov 27
Costco - Black Friday online deals and Cyber Monday deals
JanieandJack - Extra 30% off online and only until noon in-stores
Gap - Up to 60% off today
Hotels.com - Four day Black Friday Sale up to 50% off
Kenneth Cole - Up to 50% off on top of sale prices
Macys - Thanksgiving Sale plus extra 15% off
ModCloth - Up to 50% off
Net-a-Porter - End of seasons sale
Old Navy - Everything is on sale with up to 50% off outwear
Philosophy - Up to 50% or more with doorbuster and Free Shipping
QVC - Black Friday sales with electronics and my favorite - jewelery 

Walmart - Black Friday sale prices today only; Cyber Monday deals beginning Sunday, Nov 27

Ok, this is my curated list as of this morning.  Let me know if you have more!

Black Friday: Apple

Holiday Sparkle

With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I've been all about the holidays. I've got Christmas carols on my Pandora, cookies in the oven and holiday shopping on my mind!  We all want the festive spirit to last, but the month of December (the year, really) always flies by.

And that's why, to help keep me fa-la-la-la-ing, I'm adding a little sparkle to my daily wardrobe. But, really, I just can't resist anything sparkly.

Here's a round-up of the best holiday (sparkle) sweaters I've found:

Lace-stitch open cardigan

Banana Republic $89.50

Comes in black, cafe au lait, orange ginger and grey

Sparkly Elbow Sleeve Pullover

Ann Tyalor $98 (40% off with code THANKS)

Now all I need is a little sparkly! 

Hervé Léger Private Sale 30% Off

Hervé Léger is having a private sale for 30% off. The offer is valid today until November 13, 2011 exclusively at Hervé Léger by Max Azria boutiques and at bcbg.com on regularly priced Hervé Léger. You also get free shipping on merchandise over $200, which is pretty easy if you've seen Hervé Léger prices.

I took a looksee and really loved the bandage gown with tulle skirt. I love the silhouette and the elegant v-neck that shows off a sexy hint of collar bone. But, I don't have a big day coming up, so...

  

Perhaps a shorter little white dress?

   

Can we wear white dresses after Labor Day? 
White dress, red lips seems so... winter wonderland to me. :)

Check out the private sale before November 13th.

J.Crew Biennial handbag (The American Princess)

J.Crew released their Biennial handbag and it looks like the American twin of the Modalu Pippa bag!

Pippa became a style icon overnight with her easy ladylike style and created a handbag craze by debuting the Modalu handbag (above) in several different colors. The handbag became so popular that Modalu renamed the bag "Pippa." Modalu also released new colors and the bag in different sizes.

But now, you can own a piece of the Pippa inspired bag in the Biennial by J.Crew.

From J.Crew:

We're head over heels for the perfect proportions of this luxe satchel. Crafted in supple pebbled leather, this sleek two-handle bag—a design team pick—has enough room for a mini laptop, your lipstick and even your little cashmere cardigan. It's just what we've always wanted: a can-do carryall with effortless elegance. Zip closure. Brass-finish hardware. Interior patch pocket. Cotton twill lining. Comes with dust bag. Import. 6" handle drop.

Compared to the more structured, briefcase-like feel of the Pippa, J.Crew's version is a bit more relaxed with "soft pebble leather." And, best of all? It fits a mini laptop (or iPad) -- a bag for work and play? Perfect.

At $348, I'm really pining for a bit of royalty in the red, especially when the Modalu has been sold out for months. What do you think?  Do you like the American version of the Pippa or is there no substitute for the real thing?

Nine West Friends and Family 30% off

This past weekend, I stopped by Nine West to check out some fall shoes. After seeing Duchess Catherine in her black wedged staples, I was pining for a pair of everyday wedges of my own. To my pleasant surprise, Nine West not only had gorgeous wedges in every color, they also had them in a everyday and sometimes-mommy-friendly heights: low (for running errands with baby), medium (for half-work-half-play[time]), and high for... actually I don't really love high wedges unless they're espadrilles.... maybe.

I tried on a few wedges and loved it. Just as I was about to check out, I overheard the sales clerk tell one of the customers that Nine West's Friends & Family was coming up. I immediately put back the shoes and signed up for email announcements. And volia!  Here they are: Save 30% off with Friends and Family.

Sale ends this week!

R.I.P. Steve

Bloomingdales Friends and Family Event

Bloomingdales is running their Friends and Family event for 20% off in stores and online from now until October 3rd with code FALLFRIENDS11. They also have a sales section for 20-30% off that's eligible for an additional 20% off with code.  I love it when promos stack.  Plus, it all comes with with free shipping.

I am comtemplating getting these platforms for work. I love peep-toes for showing off a hint of polish and I love Cole Haan pumps with Nike technology. The reviews are all 5 out of 5. The only thing left to choose is the color... black or tan?

Cole Haan "Mariela Air" Peeptoe Platform Pumps 

orig. $328 with discount $263

Target Booties

I love Target.

But, it's not the first place I think of when I need shoes.

I was in search of "temporary" comfy, soft-sole, flexible shoes to ease my fatigued feet one day and stopped by Target. There, I found a pair of suede loafers that had soft great supportive insoles and flexible rubber outsoles. There were about $30 and felt oh-so-so-good at first try-on. I picked them up and they actually became my staple comfort shoes. I was so impressed. Target, you done well.

The other day, I was running an errand at Target when I came across a pair of women's booties. It was love at first sight. They were papyrus, suede and just.. friggin' awesome. I slowly slid them on and bam -- the same great supportive insoles and flexible outsoles that confirm to my feets every move. The hue was also perfect.  Just in time for Fall greys, blacks, beige, and even bright reds, navy blues and emerald greens. Yes, I decided, they'll with everything.

They're Kate Moss stylish and Anthroplogie girlie. I can wear them with a skirt, leggings and jeans. I simply adore them. Unfortunately (or, really fortunately), the weather went into the 80s after I bought them.  Now, I'm still waiting for a semi windy day when I can finally debut them. Booties, oh booties, how you have me pining and pining for Fall. 

Mossimo Khadeja Suede Bootie 

$29.99

Loves!

The Mommy Diaries: Diapers

I've recently become a mom (you may have already noticed this with the changes seen in my "shopping cart" on this blog). And, some of the biggest ticket items you can purchase while prepping for your little one include:

• Crib
• Stroller
• Carseat (mandatory in most states)
• High Chair (not immediate)
• Feeding (Bottles & pump if you're planning on breastfeeding)

This is not including all the "fun" stuff like your coming home outfit, diapers, diapers, diapers, wipes, a personal kit (for grooming, temp taking, first fever from vaccinations if you're opting for them, etc.), and the list goes on.

Since I've done so much research and try/buy/rebuy of these items, I thought I'd share some of my adventures here. I will be organizing my mom-related posts as my "Mommy Diaries". If there's interest, I'll continue my series as the little one grows!


Diaper Deals

So, let me start off by sharing my diapers research.

For a good deal, I'd recommend Diapers.com. For every order over $49, you receive $10 off. After your first order, you can continue to get $5 off each box of diaper you buy. However, since diapers are usually $30-$50 a box, $5 off translates to something like 10-17% off. So, for the most savings, I'd recommend switching to Amazon Mom. Amazon simply has the best diaper deals out there. With Amazon Mom, you get 30% off diapers, wipes and any "refillables" through their Subscribe & Save program. With no tax and free 2nd-day shipping, this is the best deal I've seen on diapers.

A box of Pampers Swaddlers at BabiesRUs sells for $29.99. Even if you had a $5 off coupon, it's still come to $24.99 ($0.23/diaper). With tax, you're looking at about a quarter ($0.25) a diaper. With at least 8 diaper changes a day, you're spending $2 a day to keep your little one's bum clean.

At Amazon, Pampers Swaddlers runs $0.19 / count. Through the Subscribe and Save program, the cost goes down to $0.13/diaper, with no tax or shipping. That means you're spending only a little over a dollar ($1.08) a day on the same diapers and number of diaper changes a day. That's 50% less than BabiesRUs (including the $5 coupon!).

Learn more about Amazon Mom. 

The Little [Fall] Black Dress

Are you looking for the perfect LBD for Fall?  I am! A statement dress that looks delish and can really go the distance: weddings, business trips to Vegas, professional galas, anniversary dinner with my honey... all rolled into one.

So, without further ado, let me share my leads here. I found two perfect dresses at FCUK's new collection: the Ribbon Knits Shoulder Dress and the Samantha Sleeve Dress.

This Ribbon Knits Shoulder Dress ($188) resembles the Herve Leger bandage dress. It's rare to find a long sleeve dress (not quarter-sleeve!) that's also versatile. Take this timeless silhouette, add a hint of off-the-shoulder sexiness accented by the femininity of the collar bone, pair it with long sleeves to give it an air of elegance -- this dress can be worn to a career making dinner with the execs or to your BFF's holiday party downtown. I just love it! I can imagine myself wearing something this and laughing heartily... like this:

 "Ha ha ha ha.... yes, that was just charrrrming!"

(Hm. Well that was no fun. It was supposed to be a moving .gif. What's up Blogger!?)

Deal: 25% off Pants at H&M

Are you looking for new fall pants?  I received a promotion for pants at H&M and wanted to share it with you. You receive one pair of pants for 25% off with the coupon below. Since it's an universal coupon, I'm sure if you returned another time and reused the coupon, you'd be able to get another pair of pants with the discount.

Get 25% off any pair of pants!          

Fall is all about pants. Whether you prefer wide, flared, slim, tapered, denim or loose fit, we have the perfect style for you. Coupon valid through September 18th in US only.

As you know, it's rare for H&M to run promotions, so enjoy!

Print your coupon after the jump.  Enjoy!

I Think I'll Have the Crepe Dress

It's after Labor Day! Pout: we're now at the official close of summer.  More importantly: it's our last chance to whip out our dresses before the chill sets in.

Gone are the sleeveless, spaghetti strapped dresses -- time for transitional pieces that can go summer-day-to chilly-fall-night. Something that's great for in the office and over a glass of red on a nippy evening? I'm a fan of crepe dress.

Crepe dresses are hopelessly classic and carry a hint of fashion. They strike the perfect chord. And, in jewel-tones?  Even better. Red for lipstick-inked champagne glass night-out with Clark Gables. Sapphire blue for the modern day woman. Army green with a leather jacket and ankle boots? For a round of tapas with your favorite girls of course!


Selma Blair and Gwyneth Paltrow were both seen at the Venice Film Festival sporting crepe dresses and I just can't get enough!  The easy and versatile summer-to-fall silhouette in orange-and-green-oh my! helps end the summer on a high note. I especially love the sleeves and  fresh orange hue on Gwyneth.

Gwyneth Paltrow arriving in Prada

Oh Baby

Did you all have a good long weekend?  More importantly, did you pick up anything exciting during the Labor Day sales?

This Labor Day, I did a lot of baby shopping. I know, I know... this is probably the other spectrum for the "funner" purchases I've been writing about, but this is equally -if not even more- necessary.

I've recently become a member of Amazon Mom and I LOVE IT. Did I say that in caps?  Am I screaming? YES, BECAUSE I LOVE IT. With my free membership, I receive Prime Shipping (2nd day shipping) on all my purchases and up to 30% off with the Subscribe and Save program. This weekend, I purchased a new box of diapers and the savings just add up!

School Girl Crush

I'm crushing hard: I'm utterly and totally in love with the wide stacked heel for Fall. Gone are the stiletto days, and back in vogue are the wide heels of the 90s. And this time, the heel has transformed from"chunky" to a more feminine refinement.

I love that this new style offers the powerful height as a stiletto in a more practical package: the wide heel offers more relief on your ankles and lower back. And drainage grates? You don't scare me. The pump subtly mixes sky-high height with a bit of school girl modesty. Just in time for back-to-school Fall.

A few of my favorites:

Pour La Victoire 

Irina II Suede Platform Pumps  $450

Missoni For Target

The Missoni for Target collection is almost here!

There's been a lot of buzz around the new Missoni collection for Target. The Missoni brand is famous for its beautifully colored and patterned knitwear. Not only are their designs immediately recognizable, but I've always enjoyed their naturalist look. I haven't been a devoted fan of the Missoni pattern (mostly because I can't pull it off), but don't you just love a good steal on designer brand?

 Below are a few of their looks from the look book:

For those looking for a piece of the Missoni pattern for cheap: Target will be launch the collection on September 22nd. What do you guys think? Are you looking forward to picking up a piece of Missoni's fabulous knitwear at Target?

Not so Plain Jane

Is the era of the "it" bags over? Lately, I've seen a revival of structured vintage-inspired handbags. You know, the "classic" handbag as we know it: boxy, flip-over flap, hangs about waist-high... formally perceived as unimaginative?

-----

My preference for bags have always lean towards "slouchy." I love the young, hip and urbanite feel of a slouchy bag. I also love the low maintenance of it. I don't have to worry about wearing the bag facing "out," nor do I have to worry about making sure it's "set down" properly... I know it always looks great.  I do, however, hate having to dig through it. And that [frustration] is what brings me back to more structured formal handbags every time.

So, with our sunnier days numbered, now is the time to begin the search for the ladylike handbag to complement our more formal fall and winter wardrobe...

The Prada Glace Calfskin Degrade Top-Handle Bag ($2,050) comes in a gorgeous gradient leather (easy-to-match grey).  The interior is a soft beige suede and its dual handles offer versatility. It can be dressed up or down and best of all it's roomy! This handbag has a timeless style that will stay on trend for a few decades.

 

The Lanvin Lovely Leopold leather tote ($2,185) is a good blend of classic and modern. The hardware gives it enough "city tough" for it to be an easy day-to-night candidate. Overall a great modern handbag in the classic flap silhouette.

Lastly, my two favorites, which are wonderfully affordable:

 Coach's Court Bag 

$258

J.Crew Edie nubuck bag

$240

Yes, the original handbag is back.
Until one day when I'm dining al fresco under the California sun... I'll be a slouchy girl once more.

Which classic do you love?

Pull Up a Chair

I am so excited: Rosanna tableware will be on sale on Gilt tomorrow.

You know how when you're in the consideration phase of shopping, you get a visual of how the new piece would rotate into your wardrobe? Then, you start envisioning situations you can wear the ensemble to (for cocktails! for work? for a date in the city). Finally, after you've settled on a few ways to mix-and-match and appropriate scenarios, you happily check out?

Well, that's nothing compared to home shopping!

Every time I step into a tradition-rich Potterybarn, an ultra modern Bo Concept or a humble antique shop, I am immediately transformed.

My imagination carries me away: I'm standing in my living room that's opened up to the patio overlooking the cape. I've neatly rolled monogrammed towels in my bathroom, and peonies and hydrangeas accent the kitchen and bedside tables.  Next: I live in a monochromatic home in the yuppie part of the city. It's a luxe bachelorette pad with all the modern day conveniences. I shower while watching hidden television behind the glass wall.  Finally: I live in a studio where every piece has a story. The upholstery on the mismatched chair in the living room, the frames on the walls, my jewelery...

That's the thing about home shopping: you don't get to just envision a scenario - you get to imagine an entire lifestyle. That's why I'm so excited about Gilt's Rosanna tableware sale tomorrow. She, Rosanna Bowles, designs gorgeous and unique tableware inspired by nature and traditions. I'm thinking girlish giggles and first loves. Romantic discovery trips to Europe. I'm thinking... I'm thinking... these are two of my favorite collections:

Bella Boudoir 

European Souvenir 

Tory Burch Private Sale

Tory Burch's Private Sale started today and will run for the next four days, March 24 - 28th.

You can clickthrough to the sale, but then you must enter your email to be on the "list."  If you're looking for Tory flats, you're out of luck - there's only one pair in camo.

Spring is here!  So, of course I had to take a peek at their dresses.

Here are a few of my faves:

Ceres Dress

 A boldly embellished neckline transforms the simple LBD into a festive modern classic. 

$450.00

$180.00

Dora Dress

Our colorful abstract print gives the sweet Dora Dress an artsy edge. 

$350.00

$140.00

Petula Dress

Rich, multi colored tweed brings vibrant dimension to the Petula Dress's classic sheath silhouette.

$425.00

$170.00

Gap Give and Get Event

Gap's Give and Get Event is back!

Beginning March 17th to the 20th, Gap will donate 5% of your purchase to the non-profit organization of your choice. You will also receive 30% off all purchases at Gap and its sister stores. 

You give and you get.

Don't forget our friends in Japan who really need our support right now.

Nordstrom Private Beauty Event

Nordstrom's invitation-only Private Beauty Event is here from March 16 - 20th. If you have Nordstrom card, you receive 3x the points and you'll get a fabulous gift with your beauty purchase.

I love getting gifts with my beauty purchase! They're great for travel and it makes me feel like I'm "saving" (just a little) and being rewarded for picking up my beauty staples that never go on sale.

Some of my favorite goodies:

Ok, this isn't actually a gift. It's a special purchase for $60 for this Bobbi Brown shadow and eyeliner palette in one. This is the perfect eye kit for everyday wear. Neutrals for day and turn up the drama at night. I love it!

Bobbi Brown Shadow Options Eye Palette

Exclusively ours! The ultimate day-to-night palette for women on the go, with four beautifully wearable neutrals for a natural daytime look and four sparkling, metallic shades to dress up your eyes once the sun goes down. Also includes a dual-ended eyeshadow and eyeliner brush so you can apply everything like a pro.

Bestselling Mini 'Super Orgasm' Blush

Receive a mini Blush in 'Super Orgasm' with your $100 NARS purchase.

Lar Mer is offering this Small Miracles kit with their best selling miracle products

La Mer Small Miracles

You are invited to indulge in Small Miracles—a luxurious introduction to La Mer's transformational treatments. Offer includes Crème de la Mer, The Eye Balm Intense, The Regenerating Serum and The Cleansing Foam, with any La Mer purchase of $300 or more.

Balenciaga is giving away a small companion pouch. Who wouldn't love having a mini-BBag cosmetic bag?  Tres chic and appeals to the bag-lady in me!

Mini Balenciaga Companion Pouch

Receive a deluxe mini Eau de Parfum and companion pouch with your $130 Balenciaga Paris purchase.

Oh. Em. GLee!

Any Gleeks out there?

Last night's Glee was the best episode ever!

(spoilers ahead)

The Glee club killed it with all the original songs -- though the lyrics might be questionable in a few (Trouty Lips?), the music was fantastic and spot-on with each songwriter's personality.  The biggest moment came (spoiler! spoiler!) when Blaine finally realized his feelings for Kurt.  The lines were written so beautifully and not only did our Kurt finally get a new boyfriend, but he also got... a kiss!  A real to-die-for first kiss, not a cop-out boys kiss for television. 

Watch it below:




Lastly, the episode finished off strong with Glee's new anthem "Loser like Me."
Beware though, you might catch yourself skipping to the song for the rest of the day! ;)

Loser Like Me:

Prada Creepers

Prada reinvented brogues and showed off the new "Creeper" shoe collection for Spring/Summer.

The shoes are regular brogues with basketweave, sneaker and treaded soles. The shoes flew off the shelves of Prada when they went on sale.  What do you think?

Would you own a pair of Creepers?